Poll

Community Sports

Free throw contest is this Saturday
The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a free throw competition at the Vandalia Junior High School gym on Saturday at 9 a.m.
All boys and girls aged 10-14 are eligible for the competition, with the winners progressing to a district competition and possibly to a state competition.
Last year, 334,000 kids participated across the country.

The Fayette County Family YMCA recently concluded its basketball clinics, which served as a precursor to the organization's basketball league that will begin in January.
A total of 63 kids took part in the clinics, which ended on Saturday and focused on the development of basic basketball skills.
Program Director Amber Daulbaugh said the kids who attended enjoyed themselves and improved their individual skills.
There are 86 kids signed up for the basketball league, which is split into two divisions – grades 1-2 and grades 3-5.

Tom Lucken was elected the president of Field of Dreams for 2012 at the committee's last meeting.
Steve Ledbetter was elected the vice president, Luke Hohlt the treasurer and Amber Daulbaugh the secretary. All votes were unanimous.
Lucken, who has been a member of the committee for most of its existence, also proposed new by laws for the Field of Dreams, and he will bring amended by laws for approval at the Jan. 17, 2012, meeting.

Vandalia girls basketball coach Michelle McNary has been running a Jr. Pro program, and the participants will show off their skills between the JV and varsity games on Saturday. The JV game begins at 1 p.m.

The Fayette County Family YMCA has nearly completed construction of a new room that will primarily be used for its karate program.
In addition, the number of participants in the Y's fall and winter programs have been very strong, according to Program Director Amber Daulbaugh.
"The Dojo" was put into use earlier this month, and it serves as the training room for the approximately 20 youth who are currently enrolled in the karate program.
The only aspect of the room left to complete is installing a punching bag.

There has been a lot happening at the Fayette County YMCA, and there are several upcoming programs at the Y.
For more information regarding any of the programs mentioned below, contact the YMCA at 283-1258 or visit www.fayetteymca.com.
•The Fayette County Family YMCA board of directors recently voted not to increase membership rates for 2012.
•On Thanksgiving, the Fayette County Family YMCA will be open to anyone – including non-members – from 7-10 a.m.
The following day, the YMCA will be open from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Club volleyball tryout is on Sunday
Club volleyball tryouts for girls ages 15-17 will be held at the Vandalia Community High School gym on Sunday at 2 p.m.
The tryout is being run by Carla Huhn.
Hunting season begins on Friday
The first firearm deer hunting season is this Friday through Sunday.
Times for hunting are 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
The second firearm season and the first muzzleloader season will be held from Dec. 1-4.

An official from Vandalia will be a line judge at the state volleyball tournament next Friday and Saturday.
Ruth Holliday, who has been an Illinois High School Association volleyball official for 33 years, for the first time in her career was selected to take part in the state tournament in Normal.
“It’s an honor and a thrill,” Holliday said. “It’s the first time I have gone this far.”
In other postseason action this fall, she will also officiate at a super-sectional match.

When attending a minor league baseball game, a decent amount of the entertainment value doesn’t even come from the players on the field.
At Kane County Cougars games, it’s a St. Elmo graduate who helps ensure that fans get their money’s worth when the team isn't on the field.
Heather Mills, the salutatorian of the 2005 class, is now employed in the team’s promotions department after a few years in the ticket department.